Skogen, Donald G. (1942-2013)
SKOGEN, VARLAND, ASKELAND, ZABEL, HANEVIK, WEAVER, REVERTS, BOEHM, THOMPSON
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 10/30/2013 at 15:57:41
Donald G. Skogen
(July 9, 1942 - October 14, 2013)Donald Gene Skogen, 71, of Rake, Iowa, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2013, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, after a long battle with MS complicated by a blood infection, which caused his kidneys to shut down. Luckily, he had all of his immediate family with him sometime during the last four days he spent at the hospital.
Don was born on July 9, 1942, at home in rural Rake, Iowa, to Nordahl and Inez (Varland) Skogen. A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed, he attended and graduated from Rake High School in 1960. On August 4, 1962, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Askeland. They were blessed with fifty-one years together and three daughters, Tammy, Nancy, and Julie.
For most of Don's adult life, he was a farmer. He also worked as a salesman for Funk's G seed for many years. Later during his career, MS took away his ability to use his legs, but he still remained very active in what was going on in and around the field. He would call himself the manager of the farm, and in the end, he enjoyed hauling meals out to the field.
Don was diagnosed with MS in 2005. He had already grown accustomed to his wheelchair years before, but now he knew why. He never let his condition bother him, and he always had a smile on his face. People would ask him how he felt, and he would respond, “There's room for improvement.”
Don enjoyed his favorite sports teams and talking to his friends about statistics and scores. He would even place a casual bet for $5.00 or a pizza. Many bets were never paid back. He just loved making phone calls after a game as well as the ones he received.
He also had a passion to spend time with his family. Because he had three daughters, the boys had to come later. When the time did come, he loved giving his sons-in-law “5 minute jobs.” He enjoyed many family gatherings, including the last one spent in Rochester surrounded by his entire family. What a legacy he has left for all of us.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Carolyn; his three daughters, Tammy (Jerry) Zabel and Nancy (Todd) Hanevik, of Blue Earth, and Julie (Tim) Weaver, of Buffalo Center; six grandchildren, Jamie (Ben) Reverts, Tony Boehm, Brandon (Kristen) and Brady Hanevik, and Tanner and Colin Weaver; four great grandchildren, Peyton and Kyler Reverts and Ethan and Dylan Hanevik; his sister, Carol Thompson; and his brother, Merle (Junice) Skogen; as well as many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Norman; and an infant brother and sister.
Visitation will be held on Friday evening, October 18, 2013, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at 1:30 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Rake, Iowa, with Pastor Terry Mahnke officiating. An additional hour’s visitation will precede the service. Burial will follow at West Cemetery in Rake, Iowa.
Copyright © 2013, Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service
Winter Funeral Home and Cremation Service
Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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